The Queen’s speech
The Queen’s speech outlines the Government’s legislative proposals at the beginning of a new session of the UK Parliament. Delivered on 10th May, HRH Prince Charles announced that “Her Majesty’s Government will improve transport across the United Kingdom, delivering safer, cleaner services and enabling more innovations. Legislation will be introduced to modernise rail services and improve reliability for passengers.”
This is likely to include significant legislation to decarbonise, electrify and regulate the transport sector, as well as the implementation of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail and establishment of Great British Railways. A Transport Bill will be introduced, probably in the Autumn.
Government Ministers have clarified that the Bill will include creating a new category of low-speed, zero emissions vehicle (Powered Transporter) with subsequent detailed regulations for sub-categories, such as e-scooters. To assist parliamentarians, PACTS has produced a briefing note summarising and updating the findings from our Road Safety Trust funded project and listing recommendations for safe regulation.
Joint meeting of the Transport Safety and Cycling & Walking All-Party Parliamentary Groups
On 21st May, the Transport Safety and the Cycling & Walking All-Party Parliamentary Groups held a joint meeting with the Road Safety Minister, Baroness Vere, on road Safety. It was chaired by MPs Sealine Saxby and Ruth Cadbury. Baroness Vere outlined the Government’s imminent Road Safety Strategic Framework and answered questions on road safety. Watch the video here.
30th Westminster Lecture on Transport Safety
At the first in-person PACTS event for two years, Simon French OBE presented Reflections on 18 years as a railway accident investigator, the 30th Westminster Lecture of Transport. Baroness Vere gave the Introduction. It was held at the Royal Automobile Club in partnership with the RAC Foundation and was supported by Burges Salmon LLP. The transcript of the lecture can be accessed here.
We anticipate more transport safety news before the UK Parliament rises in July. We will do our best to keep you informed.
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